WB How widows, indigents got cash donations, working tools from NASFAT
The less-privileged and widows received cash donations and vocational tools at the 8th Ramadan disbursement exercise held recently by NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat in Lagos.
In the spirit of Ramadan, May 20, 2018 marked a turning point in the lives of some widows and less privileged persons when they went home with cash donations and working tools distributed by NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat (NAZAS) during its 8th disbursement programme held at the agency’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The cash donation to some of the beneficiaries ranged from N50,000 to N350,000, and the vocational skill tools included industrial sewing machines, cameras and deep freezers among others. Not less than 25 beneficiaries were given Zakat fund on the basis of empowerment, health support and debt relief respectively.
NAZAS is a nongovernmental organization established three years ago to take care of the needy in the society.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Zumurat Hassan, who went away with N100,000 cash could not hold her tears. “I have already lost hope as I have no connection with staff of NAZAS or any member of NASFAT society. I now believe that the process is truly transparent, without any element of bias.”
Another beneficiary from Agege, a widow who lost her husband in 2014 and was left with five children was excited to be among beneficiaries of the kind gesture from NAZAS.
“This is a double blessing for me because my son received a scholarship from the same agency last year, and today, I have just received N50,000 to boost my petty trading. What shall I say? God will continue to enlarge the coast of the donors,” she said.
For Ajao Abdur Rasheed, a printer who lives at EbuteMetta area of Lagos, the NAZAS gesture was a timely intervention. “I am a printer who is in desperate need of a printer and other printing machines. But I am currently out of business due to lack of fund. With this N200,000 intervention I have received this Sunday afternoon, I will revive my business,” Ajao enthused.
Ibrahim Abanikanda, a photographer who first filled the application form three years ago, said he got a D7200 Digital Camera worth about N350,000. “This gesture will surely play a key role in my life because apart from boosting my photography business, it will give me extra income by using the machine to work for others. I am grateful to NAZAS.”
Speaking in same vein, another beneficiary who received a cheque of N150,000, said the intervention would alleviate her suffering. She prayed for the programme organisers as they continue to improve humanity.
Admonishing all the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors in their business endeavours, the NASFAT National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Samiat Mumuni, enjoined them to use the money and items given to them judiciously as that would encourage the agency to reach out to others.
In his remarks, the chairman of the agency, Alhaji Niyi Yusuf, acknowledged the support of Zakat payers and general donors who have contributed over N133,000,000 since its inception and from which over 500 people have benefited.
The 8th public disbursement of Zakat and Sadaqat, he noted, couldn’t have been possible without the donors.
He re-assured the donors and beneficiaries that NAZAS will continue to uphold the established standard in collection and distribution of Zakat in line with the dictates of Islam.
“Beyond regular disbursement held twice in a year (Muharram and Ramadan) to the needy, we have sponsored medical missions that provided medical treatment and drugs to over 2,300 persons; provided Iftar (breaking of fast) to over 1,400 persons and over 200 prison inmates (in conjunction with Muharram Sisters).
“NAZAS has also provided annual scholarship grants to over 120 students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. The agency provided relief materials to over 26,000 internally displaced persons in IDP camps in Borno, Yobe and Gombe states,” Alhaji Niyi said.
He further urged Muslim faithful to take full advantage of the holy month of Ramadan by increasing acts of charity and pay their Zakat and Sadaqat to NAZAS for distribution to the needy as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “The best charity is that given in Ramadan and good deeds in the month of Ramadan are rewarded in multiple folds by Allah (SWT).”
Also among dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Chief Missioner of NASFAT Worldwide, As-Sheikh Maroof Abdul Azeez Onike, NASFAT BoT Secretary, Alhaji Remi Babalola and National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Samiat Omolara Mumuni among others.